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The main goal of the STS-115 space shuttle mission is to continue building the International Space Station. The astronauts have three scheduled spacewalks. They will install and activate the trusses and solar arrays. They will also do other tasks.

Pilot Chris Ferguson trains for the STS-115 mission in a shuttle full-scale trainer.

Mission specialist Joseph Tanner inspects the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Mission specialist Daniel Burbank looks over the Simplified Aid for Extravehicular Activity Rescue, or SAFER, equipment. SAFER is a jetpack-like device used in case the astronaut becomes detached from the spacecraft during a spacewalk.

Mission specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper wears an Extravehicular Mobility Unit suit. She will perform two of the three extravehicular activities, or spacewalks, that are scheduled for the STS-115 mission.

Mission specialist Steven MacLean of the Canadian Space Agency reviews notes in the shuttle crew compartment trainer. He will operate the robotic Canadarm2 that will be used to install new trusses.

Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner prepares to go underwater in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory near Johnson Space Center. To protect them from the environment of space, astronauts wear a space suit called the Extravehicular Mobility Unit during spacewalks.

Astronauts spend time working in simulators to prepare for the tasks they will complete on their mission.

A computer image of the ISS depicts the solar arrays deployed on the new truss, with a wingspan of almost 240 feet. The arrays stay pointed toward the sun for optimal power generation.